Columbus OH
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Insurance & Disability Benefits

Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)

Links families of children with special health care needs to CMH-providers and helps families pay for the services the child’s needs up to age 21 years old. Visit the website to see what conditions are eligible for CMH and locate CMH providers by county.
(614) 466-1700 or (800) 755-4769 Toll-free (for parents only)
odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/children-with-medical-handicaps/welcome-to
CMH Providers & Locations: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/children-with-medical-handicaps-_cmh_-provider-directory

Columbus Public Health (CPH) Resource Lists

These neighborhood resource lists are extremely helpful in finding resources near you. They provide detailed listings of free and low cost health care, vision care, dental care, prescription help, food pantries, transportation, job help, transportation, pregnancy resources and much more. They are updated frequently and reviewed by the Columbus Public Health social work team. Please note that CPH does not provide direct monetary assistance, but these lists are helpful in finding community agencies that do provide this assistance.

240 Parsons Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 645-7417
Columbus Public Health Neighborhood Social Work Helpline: (614) 645-6807
https://new.columbus.gov/Services/Public-Health

Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities

County agency supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Provides support through two core areas: early Intervention for children under 3, and Service and Support Administration, which can include assistance with daily living, therapeutic needs, connection to resources and social groups in your community, and help to find and maintain a job. Use the website to find important information on Medicaid waiver services, forms, and to find a provider near you.
7991 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
(800) 474-9787 or (740) 201-3600
dcbdd.org

Disability Benefits & Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to people who meet requirements for disability. Children can qualify if they have a physical or mental condition that seriously limits their activities, and if their family has a limited income. A child may receive benefits if they are the child of a SSI beneficiary who is disabled or deceased. The benefits pay for many services, including doctor and hospital visits.
(800) 772-1213 or (800) 325-0778 TTY
ssa.gov/benefits/disability

Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD)

Serves: Families and individuals 0-21 years old with developmental disabilities in Franklin County. 
County agency supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. Provides vital educational, employment, and support services including: home-based services, developmental evaluations, occupational, physical, and speech therapies, transportation, and more. Families can find helpful information on programs, eligibility, and Major Unusual Incident (MUI) reporting online.
2879 Johnstown Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
(614) 475-6440
24-hour Emergency: (614) 464-2743
fcbdd.org
FCBDD Location Directory: fcbdd.org/about-us/directory

Franklin County Department of Job & Family Services (JFS)

Provides information about food assistance (Ohio Direction Card / EBT), cash assistance, medical assistance (like Medicaid), job training, emergency assistance (PRC), help with paying for child care and more. Each center serves certain zip codes. People outside of Franklin County should visit their local county Department of Job and Family Services. Refugees and immigrants should apply for services as well.

  • East Opportunity Center
    1055 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  • Northland Opportunity Center
    1721 Northland Park Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43229
  • West Opportunity Center
    314 North Wilson Road, Columbus, Ohio 43204

Call (844) 640-6446 to apply for SNAP/OWF cash assistance/Medicaid benefits
Medical Transportation: (614) 233-2381
Workforce Development: (614) 212-1800
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov
Find Your Local ODJFS Office: jfs.ohio.gov/about/local-agencies-directory
Self-Service Ohio Benefits Portal: benefits.ohio.gov

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) 211 Central Ohio

Faith-based organization providing a wide range of services across Ohio. Services include Faith Mission homeless shelter, food, health care, affordable senior living and domestic violence help. Visit the website for detailed program information and to find an office near you. The United Way/LSS 211 Information and Referral network can connect you to other social services across Franklin County.

lssnetworkofhope.org

Medical Home Portal

This website is for professionals and families who care for youth with special healthcare needs. It has lots of valuable knowledge for families and professionals about all aspects of care from understanding diagnoses, to accessing legal, education, and healthcare services, and best practices for clinicians. The portal also has a National Services directory to help find services near you.
Parent & Family Portal: medicalhomeportal.org/living-with-child
Physicians & Professionals Portal: medicalhomeportal.org/clinical-practice

Mid-Ohio Board for an Independent Living Environment (MOBILE)

Helps veterans and people with disabilities find information, support, and referrals for disability-related services. They also provide adaptive equipment loans, peer support groups, living skills classes and transition services.
1829 East Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203
(614) 443-5936
mobileonline.org

Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities (OACBDD)

Represents the 88 county boards of developmental disabilities throughout Ohio and monitors legislation at the state and national level. Their website lists helpful advocacy information for individuals, families, and professionals.
73 East Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 431-0616
oacbdd.org/index.php

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Disability Plates / Placards

Find requirements, application details, and forms for disability placards and license plates in Ohio. Disability license plates and placards permit vehicles to park in parking spaces marked with the international symbol of access for persons with disabilities. The Communication Disability Law allows drivers with disabilities to voluntarily enroll in a database to alert law enforcement of communication barriers to reduce misunderstandings with police.
(614) 438-1200 or (800) 282-4536
Disability Plates and Placards: ohio.gov/residents/resources/disability-placards
Communication Disability Law: ood.ohio.gov/laws-rules-and-policies/forms/verification-form

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Oversees a statewide system of supports and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families across the lifespan. Each county in Ohio has its own Board of Developmental Disabilities, which is the place to start for determining eligibility, assessing your needs, and coordinating which services can best support you. Use the website to find your county board, forms, and program information.
(800) 617-6733
Main Website: dodd.ohio.gov
Find your County Board: dodd.ohio.gov/your-family/all-family-resources/4-find-your-county-board

Ohio Department of Medicaid Waiver Services

Waivers are programs that help Ohio Medicaid customers with special needs remain at home instead of being in a nursing home, hospital or facility. They provide financial assistance to families, and there is typically a waiting list. Services may include personal care, transportation, respite services, supported employment, nutrition services, assistive devices, home modifications and interpreter services. See further information about Ohio waiver programs below.

50 West Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Consumer Hotline: (800) 324-8680
medicaid.ohio.gov

Ohio Special Education Legal Clinic (Lawyers4Students)

Offers a free Special Education Legal Clinic for parents of students with disabilities (ages 3-26). Parents and guardians meet with a special education advocate or attorney to ask questions and discuss challenges related to special education services. The Clinic includes a group workshop followed by a Q&A panel from special education professionals. Free, 30-minute guidance sessions with attorneys are also available.
262 South 3rd Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Columbus: (614) 745-2001
Cleveland: (216) 714-1515
Cincinnati: (513) 496-1635
lawyers4students.com/legalclinic

 

U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)

Federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. The website offers information, legal standards, and resources on topics like accommodation requirements, accessing personal assistance services, colleges and apprenticeship programs, and more.
(866) 487-2365
dol.gov/agencies/odep/topics

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF)

Nonprofit providing medical grants for families to pay for healthcare services that are not covered by their family’s insurance plan. Children must be age 16 or younger, and covered by a commercial health plan to qualify for a grant. Applications must be submitted on a computer, not phone or tablet. Find additional requirements and application instructions on their website.
(855) 698-4223
uhccf.org


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